Graves’ Measure to Modernize C-130H Fleet, Protect the 139th Passes House
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Sam Graves issued the following statement after his amendment to preserve the C-130H aircraft was passed by the House of Representatives with the FY16 National Defense Authorization Act this morning. Graves, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, represents the Air National Guard 139th Airlift Wing in St. Joseph.
"I am glad to see the Air Force taking initiative to modernize the C-130H, but I am concerned that its plan does not move quickly enough," Rep. Graves said. "By passing this amendment, which will expedite upgrades to the C-130H fleet, we can protect and preserve this aircraft for decades to come. I look forward to working with the Senate to see that this important provision gets passed into law."
"The C-130H has been a critical component of our military's fighting force for over 40 years, providing tactical airlift support that is second to none in the world," Rep. Graves continued. "Modernizing this fleet will be vital toward maintaining the effectiveness of the Air National Guard, particularly the 139th Airlift Wing in St. Joe."
BACKGROUND: Recently, the Air Force began initiating a plan to move forward on modernizing its Air National Guard C-130 H-model fleet. Rep. Graves' amendment, which passed through the House of Representatives with the underlying bill with bipartisan support, would authorize for the continued development of the Air Force's modernization plan. Specifically, it will expedite the process and ensure all C-130H aircraft meet all airspace requirements by 2020, and that the fleet undergoes necessary modernization upgrades in a timely manner.
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